Arriving at the course today I was greeted with a different wind. It was overcast and the wind was quite fresh. So the day was going to be a good challenge.
I warmed up quite well and was feeling really good about heading out onto the course. The front nine I played beautifully and hit 8 of 9 greens in regulation. Despite hitting a lot of good putts I didn't make any birdies and settled for 9 pars to start the day.
The 10th hole I hit a great shot in and made my first birdie of the day. Thinking that I was finally "away" I headed to the 11th. A scratchy par followed by a real stretch of holes where I really struggled. I parred 11 and 12 and then made a miraculous par on 13. After par on 14 I made a great sand save on 15 for par.
With three to go I was still in the mix but really wanted a good finish to get myself right into contention for Sunday. I played 16 perfectly but missed the birdie putt. On 17, a par 5 I struggled from the minute I hit my tee shot. I found the right trees and hacked it out. My third came up short of the green and after choosing to use a putter I played my 4th. I hit it too hard and was left with a testing 12 foot putt for par. I hadn't made a bogey all day and I was determined not to make one here so I knuckled down and made a clutch putt. The 18th I played perfectly, finding the fairway with my 3 wood and then the green with my wedge to about 10 feet.
I hadn't made too many putts today but hit a pure putt on this one for a crowd pleasing final hole birdie to move to -2 and -6 for the tournament. I am in a tie for third heading into the final day and hoping that tomorrow is my day. I can't wait for the challenge and opportunity for my second Australasian tour win. h